What is BDRIS?
BDRIS is Maryland's Birth Defects Reporting and Information System. The Maryland Department of Health works with birth hospitals to identify babies born with birth conditions. BDRIS is required by law.
The data is used to:
What are the numbers?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),
More than 120,000 children in the United States are impacted by a birth defect every year.
About 3% of babies have a structural birth defect. This means that out of every 33 babies born, 1 baby will have a birth defect.
Birth defects are one of the leading causes of infant deaths.
Babies born with birth defects have a greater chance of illness and long term disability than babies born without birth defects.
Babies born with birth defects are more likely to be born preterm (which is before the 37th week of pregnancy) than babies without birth defects.
Birth defects account for about 30% of all pediatric hospital admissions.
How can I contact BDRIS?
Call (410) 305- 9891 for more information.
Parent Information
Birth conditions can happen for many reasons. You cannot prevent them all. But, you can take steps before and during pregnancy to help you and your baby be as healthy as you can be. Learn more about pregnancy and birth support by visiting the Maternal and Child Health Bureau website.
Staying healthy during pregnancy can help you and your baby get off to a great start.
See a health care professional regularly.
Talk to a health care professional about taking any medication.
Get 400 Micrograms of folic acid every day.
Take steps to prevent infections.
Avoid alcohol, smoking and “street" drugs.
Every child's journey is unique. It is shaped by their strengths, health conditions, and the people who support them. The Maryland Office of Children and Youth with Specific Health Care Needs helps families find the tools and services they need to support children as they grow and learn. Learn more by visiting the OCYSHCN website.
